In the following days, Ronald's life returned to calmness.

After such an event, Sedir naturally couldn't risk appearing to continue the discussion on the ancient texts with Ronald.

As for Lalayeh, due to a complete break in relations with Ronald, their communication was almost nonexistent.

Just after a few days of this seemingly 'calm' period,

for Ronald,

the time had come for action.

Because the prearranged time with the adventure team was today.

Not wanting to leave a bad impression, Ronald, along with Costate, arrived at the appointed place before noon.

The destination was also a hotel.

However, unlike the luxurious area where Ronald and the others lived, this was a regular city hotel's area affordable to civilians. When Ronald and Costate entered, they could still see a few tables of guests in the lobby.

"…"

"Sir, the adventure team is still in the guest room upstairs, discussing their next move."

Silently,

Costate used a spell to capture the information of the people in the hotel and proactively informed Ronald.

Ronald nodded slightly, pointing with one hand to a guest table in the lobby.

"Since we're early, let's not disturb them."

"Let's sit and wait for them to come down."

Of course, Costate had no objection to Ronald's idea.

After informing the hotel host about their reservation, the two sat down simply, waiting for the adventure team to come down.

…

The wait wasn't long.

Around lunchtime, a man and a woman came down from the second floor of the hotel. They first instructed the hotel owner about lunch, then walked over to the guest table in the lobby.

Soon, Ronald and Costate, already seated at the agreed spot, came into view.

The man and woman immediately approached:

"Are you Mr. Ronald we spoke of?"

Sitting naturally at the agreed place, the man of the duo spoke first:

"The embassy informed us that you could provide security for our expedition, is that right?"

Ronald had no objection to this statement.

He nodded slightly to the man in front, pointing to Costate beside him and introducing:

"This is Costate, my most trusted assistant."

"So, as agreed, during the exploration journey north, the two of us will ensure the expedition's safety. Of course, as long as no one does anything irrational."

"…"

Then came the basic introductions from both sides.

The man and woman from the expedition team were Giovanni and Betina, the core members of the team.

As for the others…

The expedition team had five members who were fully prepared. Each member could handle any problems under normal circumstances in their role.

But the Entrode embassy provided suggestions,

which was why they had stayed a few more days to negotiate with Ronald, officially responsible for security.

After all, in Entrode's perspective,

Ronald was offered as an official gesture of protection, at no salary cost to the expedition, providing considerable security assurance.

"So, when do we plan to depart?"

"…"

After discussing the matters, Ronald finally asked about the departure time.

Giovanni immediately replied without hesitation:

"Ideally, we should depart first thing tomorrow morning."

"We've prepared everything yesterday, but considering you two might need material preparation… let's delay half a day and leave tomorrow afternoon. A full day and a morning should be enough for you to prepare the necessary equipment, right?"

Hearing Giovanni's proactive consideration for their safety,

Ronald and Costate shared a knowing glance.

"That time is certainly enough."

"But if you need to leave immediately, we can set out today."

This reply made Giovanni somewhat uneasy.

He looked at Ronald and Costate, his tone slightly nuanced:

"Mr. Ronald, I don't doubt your professional abilities."

"But exploring in such extreme environments requires basic preparations, like warm clothing and sufficient food supply…"

As a regular person,

Giovanni's suggestions were clearly genuinely concerned for Ronald and Costate's safety.

Unfortunately, he didn't understand Ronald and Costate.

"Please rest assured." Ronald interrupted Giovanni's advice with a smile, "In fact, not long ago, we worked on a similar project with Professor Dawn, so we're aware of what's necessary."

"Oh!"

Giovanni's expression had been worried earlier,

but when Ronald mentioned Professor Dawn's name, his attitude changed immediately:

"Professor Dawn?"

"Wait… you two were involved in the exploration in Twin Stream City?"

Ronald hadn't anticipated this.

But thinking about it, it made sense.

During the exploration in Twin Stream City, the team included not just academic figures like Professor Dawn, but notable explorers like Searial.

This team discovered a new ancient civilization site, so it's impossible to conceal such news.

In response,

As an expedition team member preparing in Waterfall City,

Giovanni certainly kept track of significant developments, aware of this major new find.

After Ronald nodded in confirmation,

Giovanni discarded the previous courtesy, embracing genuine excitement and welcome:

"I never expected it!"

"Entrode could send someone of your caliber to assist in such seemingly mundane work. With your help, I believe our journey will be very successful!"

"By the way, I'm curious… did Professor Dawn and Searial discover any significant Neaglean relics at Twin Stream City? Oh, that's overstepping, I shouldn't inquire…"

"…"

At this moment, Giovanni was brimming with enthusiasm.

While Ronald engaged him,

he couldn't help but think internally—

Had he… been used by Entrode for a favor?

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